Health & Wellness

Sneezing. Runny nose. Itchy, red, and watery eyes. Sound familiar? People with dust allergies know these symptoms all too well, especially after doing chores like dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming. This is because particles—from animals, dust mites, mold, and pollen—get stirred up and into the air.

And particles are just about everywhere in the home. Here are common places where dust particles are found:

Animals can trigger allergic reactions because their dander, saliva, and urine can be found in their fur, on clothing, on walls, and in the air.

Dust mite particles are found in carpeting, mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture.

Mold particles and spores are often found in moist places like bathrooms and kitchens.

Pollen is a common household dust that comes from flowers, grasses, trees, and weeds.

If you want to reduce dust allergy, try some or all of these tips:

Clean your home often.

Install a high-efficiency filter in your furnace and air conditioning unit.

Try to keep pets out of the bedroom.

Reduce humidity in the home as dust mites live and easily multiple in warm, humid places.

In Season

Matters of the heart are always important, but especially so during the month of February. Not only is there Valentine's Day to think about, February is also American Heart Month. This is a good time to evaluate your food choices and the impact they may have on your heart. Fresh, in season fruits and vegetables are among the best choices you can make for your heart health.